Candlelight vigil for man killed New Year's Eve - 13abc.com Toledo (OH) News, Weather and Sports

Candlelight vigil for man killed New Year's Eve

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Huddled together on a frigid January afternoon, Brian Minley's friends and family paid tribute to his life.

"Brian was a very loving spirit," his mother, Bernice Howard said.  "He was kind and generous to everyone he know."

"As his older sisters we always protected him," his oldest sister Arnisha Gainer said.  "It's killing us to know that he died and we weren't here."

On New Year's Ever, police were called to this home on Berdan after Minley's girlfriend found him in the basement.  He had apparently been shot.   The 24-year-old Start High School graduate, was rushed to the hospital.  He died a short time later.

"They took something from us that is so precious that we're never going to get back," Gainer said.  "That's our little brother, our mom's only son and we just want some kind of closure."

Those who knew him gathered in his front yard, leaving candles and mementos behind.  Many describe him as a generous young man who loved making music, and spending time with his long time girlfriend and her daughter.

"He was unbelievable.  He was remarkable.  He was good at everything he did and was a wonderful family man," his mother said.

"The last time I talked to him, he told me he was going to move to California so he could try and make it," Alicia Townsend, his sister said fighting back tears.  "He told me he was going to try and take care of our family."

Life will never be the same for this family.  While they try to find comfort, Toledo Police continue the search for a suspect.

"This horrible, horrible, horrible.  I just want his killer to be caught," his mother said.

Right now police are trying to find the gunman.  If you have any information about the crime, call TPD.

In the meantime, Minley's family has set up a memorial fund at 5/3 Bank to help with the funeral arrangements.  You can donate at any branch location under the Brian Minley fund.

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